Bengals @ Ravens 11/06/05

5 Keys To The Game
1. Stop the Run. Baltimore has a history of running Jamal Lewis down the Bengals' throat. He has struggled this year averaging only 3.0 yards per carry. The Bengals need to make sure that this is not his break out game. That could be tough for a team giving up 722 yards in its past five games.
2. Improve in the Red Zone. The Bengals have struggled putting the ball into the end zone from inside the 20. In a tough divisional road game, it is necessary to score on every opportunity. Look for Houshmanzadeh to be Palmer's red zone target. He went for over 100 yards and a TD last year in Baltimore.
3. Grab the Lead Early. The Bengals play much better in the lead. Their secondary has a knack for forcing turnovers, and Anthony Wright is a turnover prone QB. If the Bengals get the lead early and force him to throw, they will force interceptions. If they don't, they will have to deal with Lewis and Chester Taylor all day.
4. Capitalize Off Their Mistakes. It sounds simple, but turnovers do no good if the offense can't take advantage of them. Against Green Bay last week the Bengals forced 5 INTs. They only managed 7 points off of them. As a result, Green Bay had a chance to tie the game late. They cannot afford to do that on the road.
5. Johnson and Johnson. Chad and Rudi Johnson need to step up and take over a game. Chad only has one 100 yard game in his past six games, and Rudi has not been effective in the second half of games. For the Bengals to win, they need Chad to make some big plays early and Rudi to chew up the clock in the second half.
PREDICTION: Bengals 24 Ravens 17